Meteorologist (Launch Operations)
Core
Serve as Launch Weather Officer (LWO) for orbital launch, return-to-launch-site, re-entry, recovery, and test operations, owning weather workflows from forecast through countdown and post-flight review.
Role type
Senior IC meteorologist (launch operations)
Builds
Decision-support forecast tools, launch commit criteria, and weather sensor architecture for orbital launch and recovery operations.
Domain
Aerospace / Launch Operations / Meteorology
Deliverable
production ML models
Required skills
Numerical weather prediction, probabilistic forecasting, lightning launch commit criteria analysis, weather sensor integration, Linux/Python scripting, marine forecasting, high-tempo operations coordination, security clearance eligibility
Preferred skills
Launch Weather Officer experience, impact-based decision support, NWS or military forecaster qualification, model verification, AI-assisted programming, multi-site operations background
Technologies
NBM, GFS, RRFS, CMC, ECMWF, GraphCast, HAFS, Linux, Python, JavaScript, InfluxDB, Grafana, mesonets, electric-field mills, radar, weather balloons
Responsibilities
Generate rocket launch, landing, and recovery forecasts against vehicle constraints and regulatory requirements; Conduct numerical weather prediction analysis and testing; Drive requirements and operational use of weather sensors; Collaborate with Range, Recovery, and Flight Safety teams; Provide nowcasts and alerts for hazardous weather; Represent SpaceX with NASA, Space Force, and NWS; Travel to and operate from multiple launch sites
Seniority
Senior, hands-on IC
